When Coco Met Coca-Cola

Life really does write the best stories. Here I am, Coco Prada, a Colombian actor who grew up with Christmas celebrations that looked nothing like the snowy scenes in those famous Coca-Cola adverts. In my corner of Colombia, December meant warm breezes, street parties, and the sound of vallenato mixing with villancicos.

The irony isn't lost on me – a guy named Coco starring in a Coca-Cola ad. Every time someone on set said my name, they'd catch themselves and laugh. "Wait... Coco? Like Coca-Cola?" Yes, exactly like that. The universe clearly has a sense of humor.

Between takes, I found myself sitting on Santa's lap – you know, for "rehearsal purposes." He asked what I wished for, and I couldn't help but laugh. Here I was, already living out a wish I'd never even dared to make. That boy who used to watch those magical Coca-Cola ads would never believe where he'd end up.

Christmas in Colombia hits different. It's about gathering in the streets, houses glowing with luces de colores, and everyone's doors open wide to welcome neighbours for natilla and buñuelos. Our novenas were more like block parties, with entire neighborhoods coming together to sing, pray, and – let's be honest – mostly eat and dance.

Now here I am, creating holiday magic alongside the most famous Santa in advertising history. Standing there between takes, watching those iconic red trucks roll by, I couldn't help but smile thinking about how far I've come. From dancing to gaitas during December to being part of a holiday tradition that reaches millions of people – life has a funny way of writing our stories.

To my people back home: keep dancing, keep celebrating, keep believing. Sometimes magic happens when you least expect it. And sometimes, just sometimes, a guy named Coco ends up in a Coca-Cola Christmas ad. ¡Que viva Colombia!

P.S. – Santa and I had a champeta dance-off between takes. Let's just say he's sticking to his sleigh moves for now!